Duplicity 2 (Duplicity New Adult Romance)

by Knight, K. T.

  Or maybe he was always a stranger, after all I’d only known him for a few weeks. But I thought I knew him well enough to trust my love for him, and his for me. Why else would I have given up everything to follow him across the Atlantic, far away from my home, my job, my friends and my family? My hand reached up to touch one of the diamond studs in my ear, and my heart softened. He was trying his best, right?

  Outside, the cold November air made me shiver. My cocktail dress didn’t cover much skin. I buttoned and belted my Burberry mac. Another designer purchase to make me feel better about my unravelling life. Roll on pay-day, because at this rate my credit card was going to melt.

  I hadn’t bargained for having to up my game so much in New York to keep up appearances at work. Arriving with just one suitcase, I’d decided that all my clothes were totally wrong. The style here was so different to London, I’d just run straight out and bought a whole new working girl wardrobe. Never mind the fact that none of it might fit me in a few months, but I’d just have to worry about that later.

  I walked over to the kerb and stuck my arm out. There was no way I was walking anywhere tonight in these heels. I could easily be mistaken for a high class hooker. Not that they probably walked anywhere either. A yellow cab stopped and I got in.

  “Where to, ma’am?” asked the driver, looking at me in his mirror. I hesitated, uncertain whether to head for the Waldorf as instructed by Nick, or to take matters into my own hands. I was in no mood for going out now, goodness knows when Nick would show up and if I had to face that Gavin Hains again … well, that made my mind up. I gave the driver my address and he sped off.

  As the cab raced through the streets of Manhattan, I sat back and looked in awe at the flashing colors of the cityscape outside. I still had to pinch myself to believe that I was actually here, in New York, living the dream. It was the opportunity of a lifetime. My boyfriend was the hottest guy on earth, and I had a job to die for.

  Just for a moment, I forgot about that fact that my boyfriend had a wife, that I was a nobody at work, and I had a secret that was a potential ticking time-bomb.

  Life’s what you make it.

  There was no way I was going down without a fight.

  CHAPTER THREE

  The cab was driving slower now. Recognizing a few familiar landmarks, I knew I was nearly at the apartment I was lucky enough to be able to call home for the next few months at least. I noticed a late night drugstore and I asked the driver to pull over.

  “Would you like me to wait, ma’am?” the cab driver asked as I searched for some money.

  “No, I’ll be fine, thanks, it’s not far from here,” I replied, paying him. “Keep the change.”

  The apartment was only a block or so away. But first I had an important purchase to make, one I had been putting off since my arrival.

  Inside the drugstore, I approached the till. A girl about my age was standing there, dressed in a white coat.

  Perhaps sensing my trepidation, she smiled, putting me at ease.

  “Good evening. How can I help you?” she asked. Her voice was soft and kind. Her eyes met mine, encouraging me to speak up.

  My mind went blank, and there was a lengthy pause. The girl kept smiling, waiting for my response. I’m not sure how I got the words out.

  “I’d like, um, a home pregnancy test kit please?”

  “Okay, sure. We have several. I’ll just show you.”

  The girl led me over to a shelf with a display of small white plastic stick-like devices, with rows of boxes underneath. So many! Who knew? I could hear the assistant describing the merits or otherwise of the different tests. Digital or lines? Some had two lines, some one. Pink lines or blue? 3 minutes or 5? Find out before your period’s even due! Works best in the morning … My ears heard the sound of her voice, but my brain wasn’t registering all of her words.

  The reality of the situation kicked in and I felt pangs of guilt for the Manhattan earlier. What should have been an easy choice, was overwhelming.

  My voice was a whisper. “I don’t really understand the difference. It’s all a bit confusing, to be honest. Could you recommend one please?”

  The assistant’s eyes widened, like I was some sort of dimwit. “It depends what you want. Would you like me to repeat all of that again?”

  There was a ding as the door opened, and another customer entered the shop. The girl looked impatient now.

  “I’m so sorry,” I murmured, not wanting anyone else to hear. “My period’s late and I’d like to do a test in the morning.”

  The girl lifted a packet off the shelf.“This one will do great. Let’s get you sorted.”

  I followed her back to the counter to pay. “Good luck,” she said, in commiseration, when she handed me the packet.

  “Thank you.”

  “Can I get you anything else? Condoms maybe?”

  I wasn’t sure if I imagined that last bit, or if I just heard it in my head.

  ***

  Walking towards the apartment, I heard my phone ringing from somewhere in my bag. It was probably Nick, but I didn’t want to stop and talk in the street. I was freezing, my skimpy party dress and mac affording little protection against the elements. My hands were sunk into my pockets as I walked at a brisk clip.

  I had an uneasiness in my gut that something wasn’t right. The street was deserted of pedestrians, but there were car headlights behind me, shining in the direction I was walking. The car was driving slowly, why hadn’t it passed me by now? I glanced over my shoulder at the black vehicle that was curb-crawling my route. Gaining pace, I rummaged in my purse for my keys.

  When I reached the steps of my building, I was breathless and my hand was shaking as I turned the key in the lock. A final glance over my shoulder told me that the car had stopped in the middle of the street, lights still on, engine ticking over.

  I shut the door behind me with a bang, and heard revving as the car drove off. Still trembling, I made my way down the hallway to the door of my apartment. Only when I was safe inside, door dead-locked, with the safety chain engaged, did I allow myself to breathe a sigh of relief.

  ***

  Inside the apartment, my heartbeat slowed. My hand no longer shook as I placed the pregnancy test on the coffee table. There was a joyfulness here, a happy spirit that blessed the space.

  It was a safe sanctuary, the home of my dreams, albeit temporary. Just the opposite of my place in London with Tara. Compact and bijoux, it comprised of only a living room and kitchenette, off which a short, narrow hallway led to the bedroom at the end. There was a door off each side of the hallway. On one side, a tiny bathroom with a shower, on the other a walk-in closet. Even after my recent shopping spree, the racks on the closet were almost bare, begging to be filled with more 5th Avenue purchases.

  An intricate pattern of wooden parquet covered the floors throughout, except for the bathroom which was tiled with uneven white subway tiles. It was just how I’d imagined a New York bathroom should be.

  The decor everywhere was simple. White walls with loud splashes of color in the furnishings, making the small space seem both airy and cosy at the same time. A large window at the back of the living room was south facing and provided plenty of light. I counted my blessings for landing on my feet here, and knew I had a lot to thank Nick for.

  I lucked out when I arrived in New York and was able to move straight in. Friends of Nick were overseas and needed a house-sitter so here I was. There was no way I ever would have been able to afford a place like this, and now it was mine, rent-free on condition that I watered the plants and covered the bills.

  Nick and I hadn’t discussed what our living arrangements in New York would be until the last minute. For me, living with Nick for a couple of weeks in London was one thing, but shacking up together in NYC wasn’t on my agenda. I didn’t even know it was on his.

  I knew that circumstances were dictating the sequence of events, but it all seemed to be moving too fast, too soon. Cathwell’s relocat
ion plan included a couple of weeks in an apart-hotel, and with naivety I supposed that would give me enough time to find somewhere else to live when I arrived.

  It was a couple of nights before we left London, and we were packing. Or rather, Nick was. I only had a small bag from when I had left my place that fateful night. The night I caught my two best friends in bed together and discovered they were both lying snakes.

  Nick surveyed my small pile of clothes beside his mountain of blue shirts, cashmere sweaters and jeans. Not to mention the suits that were still hanging up and would be travelling in their own, customized, hard-cased suit carrier. For someone who hadn’t been in London long, he’d brought enough clothes with him to last a lifetime. I guess he didn’t know his location was going to change so suddenly, either.

  “So, are you going to go back and get the rest of your things?” Nick asked. “No offence, but you’re not going to get very far in New York with that lot. It’s a haphazard choice of couture, no?”

  Considering the random items I had thrown in my bag that night, Nick’s description wasn’t far off the mark. But clothes or no clothes, I sure as hell wasn’t going back anywhere near Tara or Adam. I’d just about managed to avoid Adam at work. In fact, I wasn’t even sure if he had been at work, not that I cared.

  I gave Nick my sweetest sarcastic smile. “None taken. I do, however, have big shopping plans when I get to New York. Don’t worry. I won’t disgrace you. Couldn’t show you up now, could I? Big shot and all that.” I swaggered across the room, to where Nick was waiting with open arms. He met me with a bear hug.

  “I’m so lucky,” he murmured, kissing me. His touch filled my body with longing. “I can’t get enough of you, Holly Martin. I can’t wait to show you New York. Our apartment’s in Midtown East. It’s perfect for shopping and going out. You’re going to love it. How did I ever live without you?”

  My lips craved more, but I stopped myself, leaning back. “Wait. What do you mean? You want me to live with you?”

  Nick laughed, kissing me again. “Of course you’re going to live with me. Where else could you live? You’re not just going to walk into an apartment in New York, you know. It could take months to get somewhere decent. And the rent’s extortionate.”

  He had a point, but the situation was complicated.

  “Aren’t you forgetting something?” I had chosen my words with care, not wanting to spoil the moment, but it was too late. Nick recoiled as if I had slapped him.

  “Look, I’m just saying,” I went on. “It’s not really that simple, is it? Don’t forget you’ve still got Sarah to think about.”

  Shaking my head, I turned away, but Nick caught me by the wrist and turned me back to face him. His grip was gentle, but firm.

  “Don’t do this, Holly,” he implored. “If this is going to work, then we need to be honest with each other.”

  My heart flipped, and my face flushed. He was right, I had to tell him the truth.

  “Okay, so here’s the thing.” I faced Nick head on. “There’s something I haven’t told you.”

  “Go on.” Nick’s voice was slow, measured. Was he expecting some sort of bombshell? “I’m sure we can work it out.”

  Could we? Could we work it out if I told him that I had cheated on him? Would he still want to make a life with me after Sarah was gone? Or would he walk away and go it alone? When it came down to it, I couldn’t risk it. That was before I knew that I might be pregnant. All I wanted was for us to make a life together in New York. I wanted bright lights and the big city. And most of all, I wanted my name on a plaque, on a corner office door:

  Holly Martin. Senior VP

  So, of course I chickened out. Who wouldn’t?

  I snapped back to reality, my response honest but incomplete.

  “I can’t live with you Nick. Not in your place. I’m sure your condo is truly amazing, but it can never be my home. I’m sorry, I had no idea that’s what you wanted. I just can’t do it. It’s yours and Sarah’s. It would be like living in someone else’s shadow, don’t you see? I’d be better in my own apartment, at least until things settle down.”

  Nick reached out, his hand stroking my cheek. “Oh, Holly. It’s me that’s sorry. I was selfish not to even consider that. I totally respect your feelings. We’ll find you somewhere more suitable. In fact, I have an idea. Just let me call some friends. Please, can you forgive me?”

  I moved back in close to Nick, and let him stroke my back. And I swore to myself that I would whatever it took to never hurt Nick, ever.

  But karma’s a bitch and it has a funny way of biting you in the back, as the pregnancy test on the table reminded me.

  The sound of the buzzer broke my thoughts, and I made my way to the intercom. I wasn’t expecting anyone. Ha, it’s not as if I had any friends who might pop by. And Nick had a key.

  “Hello?” I called into the box on the wall.

  A man’s voice replied, crystal clear through the ancient speakerphone. “Holly? I need to speak to you. Please open up Holly, it’s urgent.”

  I stood, motionless, holding my breath. Adrenalin coursed through my body as I ignored the sound of the intercom. It was a long time before the buzzing stopped. Then, the only sound was the thumping of my heartbeat.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  This sound of his footsteps echoed on the wooden floor. I lay in bed, still, as I heard him approach. The apartment was in darkness, silent apart from his tread, and muted noises from the street outside. I had closed the window earlier, but the air conditioning was stuck on high and now it was too hot.

  The luminous clock reading displayed 01.08AM. I had tossed and turned for hours, in and out of sleep. The sheets were twisted around my lower body, and despite the time of year, I wore just a long camisole due to the heat inside.

  I sensed him enter the room. I lay motionless for a few moments. Neither of us spoke. I turned to watch, but in the dark could only make out the shadow of his silhouette in the doorway. A few more steps forward, clump clump clump, until he was standing at the opposite side of the bed.

  It was a small room, any smaller and the king bed would have touched both walls. As my eyes adjusted, I could see him a little better now. He removed his jacket and lay it over the rail at the foot of the bed. His shirt was just tight enough to showcase his rippled chest.

  He started to unbutton his shirt and I was mesmerized, a sexual stirring awakening my body. Even though I could not see them, I knew his eyes were on me as he undressed. His shirt hit the floor, revealing the outline of his perfect, rock-hard abs. He sat on the edge of the bed with his back to me, removing his shoes and socks.

  I wanted to reach over and touch him, but I made myself stop. Undoing his belt and zipper, his trousers were off in seconds. He stood and turned again, facing me. Now it was his perfect, rock-hard cock that I could make out, straining through his shorts. Only then did he speak.

  “I’ve missed you, Holly,” he whispered, lying beside me on the bed.

  His hand brushed my cheek, pushing back my messy hair. His face met mine, my reward for waiting, a soft kiss. My arms instinctively went round him, pulling him close until his body was pressed tight against me. I buried my head in his skin, drinking in his smell. I wanted him to take me, consume me, fill me. There was no question I was his. I had already surrendered.

  My hands moved up and down his back, his skin smooth and supple. He was kissing me properly now, and my tongue probed his, leaving him in no doubt of my desire. I wanted him hard and fast, deep and dirty.

  He reached for the straps of my camisole, pushing them down off my shoulders until my pert breasts were exposed. A moan escaped from me as his hand met my bare skin. His touch on my erect nipples was sending electric shocks through my nerve endings.

  I reached down to his shorts, and just the feel of his bulging there was enough to drive me crazy. With one hand I removed his underwear, so that his cock sprang free. My other hand was already touching myself, my pussy wet and ready for action. I had
not been expecting a visitor tonight, and this was a welcome surprise.

  “Jeez, Holly, I’ve never seen you like this before. You’re so hot tonight, you’re on fire. You haven’t even said hello,” he murmured, moving down on me now, a soft trail of kisses that made me quiver.

  I remained silent as he devoured me, until my ecstasy gave way to a deep cry of exquisite pleasure. Afterwards, he tried to hold me, but I pushed him away.

  He rose, fumbling on the floor for his clothes. It wasn’t long before the sound of footsteps and a click of the door told me he was gone again. I hadn’t even seen his face.

  “Nick?” I cried, too late. Instead, it was a nightmare of Adam’s boots, walking around the apartment by themselves, that haunted me until I jolted back into consciousness.

  The apartment was roasting, and I was gasping for water. I emptied the glass beside the bed between my lips, the liquid loosening my tongue from where it was stuck to the top of my mouth.

  The alarm clock flashed 02:14AM. I got up and fiddled with the ancient air-conditioning controls on the wall. It was jammed. I smacked the wall in frustration. Let’s face it, the air-con was the least of my problems right now.

  I walked down the hallway, stopping in the bathroom to splash my face with water. The pregnancy test kit was calling me from its place on the ledge above the sink, where I had left it in readiness for the morning. Shut up.

  In the living room, my cell phone screen was lit up.

  Are you awake? I’m coming over to ravish you. Right now x

  I tapped a quick reply.

  You just did. In my dreams. Go home. You’re drunk x

  My guess was right. Nick’s next text came back full of smiley faces and heart icons. Bless him.

  On my way back down the hallway, I could still hear the taunts of the pregnancy test from the bathroom shelf. Turning the light on, I opened the box and read the instructions.